U.S. patent application number 11/191301 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-02 for container for collecting and storing breast milk.
Invention is credited to Mark Ostrowski.
Application Number | 20060025718 11/191301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42734651 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060025718 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ostrowski; Mark |
February 2, 2006 |
Container for collecting and storing breast milk
Abstract
The present invention relates to a container for collecting and
storing breast milk. More particularly, one embodiment of the
present invention provides a container for collecting and storing
breast milk obtained using a breast pump, comprising: a body,
wherein the body has an open end with a lip, a closed end and a
cavity between the open end and the closed end for receiving
therein the breast milk; a cap; a hinge disposed adjacent the open
end of the body for connecting the cap to the body; a sealing
mechanism disposed on the cap, wherein the sealing mechanism
provides a resealable, watertight seal between the cap and the lip
of the body when the cap is placed thereon; and at least one thread
disposed at the open end of the body, wherein the thread is
configured to provide a screw-on connection between the body and
the breast pump.
Inventors: |
Ostrowski; Mark;
(Greenville, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, HERRON & EVANS, LLP
2700 CAREW TOWER
441 VINE STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
42734651 |
Appl. No.: |
11/191301 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60591897 |
Jul 28, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/74 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 9/085 20130101;
A61M 1/062 20140204; B65D 43/162 20130101; A61J 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/074 |
International
Class: |
A61M 1/06 20060101
A61M001/06 |
Claims
1. A container for collecting and storing breast milk obtained
using a breast pump, comprising: a body, wherein the body has an
open end with a lip, a closed end and a cavity between the open end
and the closed end for receiving therein the breast milk; a cap; a
hinge disposed adjacent the open end of the body for connecting the
cap to the body; a sealing mechanism disposed on the cap, wherein
the sealing mechanism provides a resealable, watertight seal
between the cap and the lip of the body when the cap is placed
thereon; and at least one thread disposed at the open end of the
body, wherein the thread is configured to provide a screw-on
connection between the body and the breast pump.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the screw-on connection
between the body and the breast pump comprises a watertight
seal.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism provides
an airtight seal between the cap and the lip of the body when the
cap is placed thereon.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the screw-on connection
between the body and the breast pump comprises an airtight
seal.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the thread is configured to
provide a screw-on connection between the body and a feeding
nipple.
6. The container of claim 5, wherein the screw-on connection
between the body and the feeding nipple comprises a watertight
seal.
7. The container of claim 6, wherein the screw-on connection
between the body and the feeding nipple comprises an airtight
seal.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein the thread is a helical thread
running along the body from a first position adjacent the open end
to a second position between the open end and the closed end.
9. The container of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
threads disposed at the open end of the body, wherein the plurality
of threads are configured to provide a screw-on connection between
the body and the breast pump.
10. The container of claim 9, wherein each thread is a helical
thread running along the body from a respective first position
adjacent the open end to a respective second position between the
open end and the closed end.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein the hinge is articulated at
one position.
12. The container of claim 1, wherein the hinge is configured to be
capable of holding the cap in an open position, such that the cap
does not cover the open end of the body.
13. The container of claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism
includes a groove in the cap configured to form an interference fit
with the lip of the body.
14. The container of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a skirt
portion.
15. The container of claim 14, wherein the skirt portion is
configured to cover at least a portion of the thread when the cap
is placed over the open end of the body.
16. The container of claim 15, wherein the skirt portion is
configured to cover essentially all of the thread when the cap is
placed over the open end of the body.
17. The container of claim 1, wherein the body includes calibration
markings to indicate the amount of breast milk contained
therein.
18. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the body and
the cap includes an area thereon configured to receive writing.
19. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the body, the
hinge and the cap comprises polypropylene.
20. The container of claim 1, wherein the body, the hinge and the
cap are formed as an integral unit.
21. The container of claim 20, wherein each of the body, the hinge
and the cap comprises polypropylene.
22. A container for collecting breast milk obtained using a breast
pump and for feeding the breast milk to a baby using a feeding
nipple, comprising: a body, wherein the body has an open end with a
lip, a closed end and a cavity between the open end and the closed
end for receiving therein the breast milk from the breast pump; a
cap; a hinge disposed adjacent the open end of the body for
connecting the cap to the body; a sealing mechanism disposed on the
cap, wherein the sealing mechanism provides a resealable,
watertight seal between the cap and the lip of the body when the
cap is placed thereon; and at least one thread disposed at the open
end of the body, wherein the thread is configured to provide a
screw-on connection between the body and the breast pump when
collecting the breast milk and a screw-on connection between the
body and the feeding nipple when feeding the breast milk.
23. A method for collecting breast milk obtained using a breast
pump and for feeding the breast milk to a baby using a feeding
nipple, comprising: (a) providing a container including: (i) a
body, wherein the body has an open end with a lip, a closed end and
a cavity between the open end and the closed end for receiving
therein the breast milk from the breast pump; (ii) a cap; (iii) a
hinge disposed adjacent the open end of the body for connecting the
cap to the body; (iv) a sealing mechanism disposed on the cap,
wherein the sealing mechanism provides a resealable, watertight
seal between the cap and the lip of the body when the cap is placed
thereon; and (v) at least one thread disposed at the open end of
the body; (b) engaging the body with the breast pump via the thread
when collecting the breast milk; and (c) engaging the body with the
feeding nipple via the thread when feeding the breast milk.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the steps are carried out in
the order recited.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/591,897, filed Jul. 28, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a container for collecting
and storing breast milk.
[0003] More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention
provides a container for collecting and storing breast milk
obtained using a breast pump, comprising: a body, wherein the body
has an open end with a lip, a closed end and a cavity between the
open end and the closed end for receiving therein the breast milk;
a cap; a hinge disposed adjacent the open end of the body for
connecting the cap to the body; a sealing mechanism disposed on the
cap, wherein the sealing mechanism provides a resealable,
watertight seal between the cap and the lip of the body when the
cap is placed thereon; and at least one thread disposed at the open
end of the body, wherein the thread is configured to provide a
screw-on connection between the body and the breast pump.
[0004] For the purposes of the present application, the term
"resealable" means that the container can be opened/reopened and
closed/reclosed numerous amount of times (i.e. more than 5 times)
and still retain its "water-tight" properties.
[0005] Further, for the purposes of the present application, the
term "watertight" means that the container passes the blue crystal
dye test. The blue crystal dye test is a visual test to detect
leaks within a container seal. A container "passes" the blue
crystal dye test if the white paper, in which the container is
placed on, does not visually change color (i.e. The white paper
does not become contaminated with the blue crystal dye liquid from
the container). The blue crystal dye test procedure consists of the
following: (a) the blue crystal dye liquid is prepared by adding
one teaspoon of blue crystal dye powder to one gallon of alcohol
and then thoroughly mixing the solution; (b) the blue crystal dye
liquid is poured into the container (i.e. a sufficient amount of
the dye liquid must be added so, when the container is placed
upside down, the entire seal area must be covered); (c) the
container is entirely sealed; (d) the container is placed upside
down (i.e. inverted) on the white paper at room temperature; and
(e) after 30 minutes, the white paper is inspected to determine if
the white paper is contaminated with the blue crystal dye
liquid.
[0006] The term "air tight" means the moisture ingress of the
container (after three days) was less than about 1500 micrograms of
water, in another embodiment, about 750 micrograms of water,
determined by the following test method: (a) place one gram plus or
minus 0.25 grams of molecular sieve in the container and record the
weight; (b) the container is closed by applying, in a singular
motion, a frontal downward pressure upon the thumb tab until the
rim portion, adjacent to the thumb tab, contacts the inside flat
part of the cap also adjacent to the thumb tab; (c) place the
closed container in an environmental chamber at conditions of 80%
relative humidity and 72 F.; (c) after one day, weigh the container
containing the molecular sieve; (d) after four days, weigh the
container containing the molecular sieve; and (e) subtract the
first day sample from the fourth day sample to calculate the
moisture ingress of the container in units of micrograms of water.
Further still, for the purposes of the present application the term
"interference fit" means physical contact between two or more
components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Many mothers collect and store breast milk for feeding to
their babies. Such collection, storage and feeding may typically
occur in a hospital setting (e.g., in the case of a premature/low
birth weigh baby) or in the home environment (e.g., in the case of
a healthy baby released from the hospital shortly after birth).
[0008] Of note, the collection of such breast milk may typically be
carried out using a breast pump (e.g., manual or electric), the
storage of such breast milk may typically be carried out using a
storage container and the feeding of such breast milk may typically
be carried out using a feeding bottle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a cap and top body area
according to a first embodiment of the present invention (the size
indicators in the drawing are intended to provide an example, and
not be restrictive);
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a cap and top body area
according to the first embodiment of the present invention (the
size indicators in the drawing are intended to provide an example,
and not be restrictive);
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a container according to the
first embodiment of the present invention (the size indicators in
the drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section taken at line B-B of FIG. 3
(the size indicators in the drawing are intended to provide an
example, and not be restrictive);
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a cap and top body area
according to a second embodiment of the present invention (the size
indicators in the drawing are intended to provide an example, and
not be restrictive);
[0014] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a container according to the
second embodiment of the present invention (the size indicators in
the drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0015] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a container according to the
second embodiment of the present invention (the size indicators in
the drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0016] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a cap and top body area
according to the second embodiment of the present invention (the
size indicators in the drawing are intended to provide an example,
and not be restrictive);
[0017] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a container according to
the second embodiment of the present invention (the size indicators
in the drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0018] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a container according to the
second embodiment of the present invention, wherein this view is
offset 90 degrees from the view of FIG. 7 (the size indicators in
the drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0019] FIG. 11 shows a side view of a container according to a
third embodiment of the present invention (the size/volume
indicators in the drawing are intended to provide an example, and
not be restrictive);
[0020] FIG. 12 shows a side view of a container according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention (the size indicators in
the drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0021] FIG. 13 shows the other side of the container shown in FIG.
12 (the size/volume indicators in the drawing are intended to
provide an example, and not be restrictive);
[0022] FIG. 14 shows a plan view of a cap and top body area
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention (the size
indicators in the drawing are intended to provide an example, and
not be restrictive);
[0023] FIG. 15 shows a side view of a container according to the
fifth embodiment of the present invention (the size indicators in
the drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0024] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a container according to
the fifth embodiment of the present invention (the size indicators
in the drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0025] FIG. 17 shows a side view of a container according to the
fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein this view is 90
degrees offset from the view of FIG. 15 (the size indicators in the
drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0026] FIG. 18 shows a plan view of a cap and top body area
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention (the size
indicators in the drawing are intended to provide an example, and
not be restrictive);
[0027] FIG. 19 shows a side view of a top body area according to
the sixth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the lip is
shown in detail (the size indicators in the drawing are intended to
provide an example, and not be restrictive);
[0028] FIG. 20 shows a side view of a top body area according to
the sixth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the thread
is shown in detail (the size indicators in the drawing are intended
to provide an example, and not be restrictive);
[0029] FIG. 21 shows a side view of a cap and hinge according to a
seventh embodiment of the present invention (the size indicators in
the drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0030] FIG. 22 shows a side view of a container according to the
seventh embodiment of the present invention (the size indicators in
the drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0031] FIG. 23 shows a cross-section taken at line B-B of FIG. 22
(the size indicators in the drawing are intended to provide an
example, and not be restrictive);
[0032] FIG. 24 shows a cross-section offset 90 degrees from FIG. 23
(the size indicators in the drawing are intended to provide an
example, and not be restrictive);
[0033] FIG. 25 shows a plan view of a cap and top body area
according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention (the
size indicators in the drawing are intended to provide an example,
and not be restrictive);
[0034] FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a container according to
the eighth embodiment of the present invention (the size indicators
in the drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0035] FIG. 27 shows a side view of a container according to the
eighth embodiment of the present invention (the size indicators in
the drawing are intended to provide an example, and not be
restrictive);
[0036] FIG. 28 shows a side view of a container according to the
eighth embodiment of the present invention, wherein this view is
offset 90 degrees from the view shown in FIG. 27 (the size
indicators in the drawing are intended to provide an example, and
not be restrictive);
[0037] FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of a container according to
a ninth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cap is
shown sealed to the lip of the body;
[0038] FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of a container according to
the ninth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cap is
not sealed to the lip of the body; and
[0039] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of a container according to
the ninth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a feeding
nipple is attached to the body.
[0040] Among those benefits and improvements that have been
disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying figures. The figures constitute a part of
this specification and include illustrative embodiments of the
present invention and illustrate various objects and features
thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed
herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be
embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given
in connection with the various embodiments of the invention are
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Further, the
figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be
exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis
for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
invention.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, one example of the present
invention is shown (of course, the size indicators in the drawings
are intended to provide an example, and not be restrictive). More
particularly, it is seen that container 100 may be used for
collecting and storing breast milk obtained using a breast pump
(not shown). In this regard, body 102 may have open end 102A (with
lip 102B), closed end 102C and cavity 102D between open end 102A
and closed end 102C for receiving therein the breast milk. Further,
container 100 may include cap 104 and hinge 106 (disposed, for
example, adjacent open end 102A) for connecting cap 104 to body
102. Further still, body 102 may include base 102E (e.g., for
providing a stable surface to help prevent tipping over).
[0043] Moreover, sealing mechanism 108 may be disposed on cap 104.
In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and
not restrictive), sealing mechanism 108 may provide a watertight
seal between cap 104 and lip 102B when cap 104 is placed thereon
(this watertight seal may be resealable). In another example (which
example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive),
sealing mechanism 108 may provide an airtight seal between cap 104
and lip 102B when cap 104 is placed thereon (this airtight seal may
be resealable).
[0044] Further, at least one thread 110 may be disposed at open end
102A (wherein thread 110 may be configured to provide a screw-on
connection between body 102 and the breast pump). In one example
(which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive),
the screw-on connection between body 102 and the breast pump may
comprise a watertight seal (this watertight seal may be
resealable). In another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the screw-on connection between
body 102 and the breast pump may comprise an airtight seal (this
airtight seal may be resealable).
[0045] Further still, thread 110 may be configured to provide a
screw-on connection (when not connected to the breast pump) between
body 102 and a feeding nipple (not shown). In one example (which
example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), the
screw-on connection between body 102 and the feeding nipple may
comprise a watertight seal (this watertight seal may be
resealable). In another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the screw-on connection between
body 102 and the feeding nipple may comprise an airtight seal (this
airtight seal may be resealable).
[0046] Referring now more particularly to thread 110, it is noted
that in one example (which example is intended to be illustrative
and not restrictive), thread 110 may comprise a helical thread
running along body 102 from a first position (labeled "a" in FIG.
3, for example) adjacent open end 102A to a second position
(labeled "b" in FIG. 3, for example) between open end 102A and
closed end 102C.
[0047] In another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the container may comprise a
plurality of threads disposed at open end 102A (wherein the
plurality of threads are configured to provide a screw-on
connection between body 102 and the breast pump and/or feeding
nipple).
[0048] In another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), each of the plurality of threads
may be a helical thread running along body 102 from a respective
first position adjacent the open end 102A to a respective second
position between open end 102A and closed end 102C.
[0049] Referring now more particularly to hinge 106, it is noted
that in one example (which example is intended to be illustrative
and not restrictive), hinge 106 may be configured to be capable of
releasably holding cap 104 in an open position, that is, such that
cap 104 does not cover open end 102A (see, e.g., mating features
106A and 106B of FIG. 2 and mating features 106C and 106D of FIG.
21). In another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), cap 104 may be held in the open
position by a different mechanism (see, e.g., aperture 114 and
protrusion 116 of FIGS. 5 and 6).
[0050] Referring now more particularly to sealing mechanism 108, it
is noted that in one example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), this sealing mechanism 108 may
comprise groove 104A in cap 104 (wherein groove 104A is configured
to form an interference fit with lip 102B).
[0051] Referring now more particularly to cap 104, it is noted that
in one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and
not restrictive), cap 104 may include skirt portion 104B. In
another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and
not restrictive), skirt portion 104B may be configured to cover at
least a portion of thread(s) 110 when cap 104 is placed over open
end 102A. In another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), skirt portion 104B may be
configured to cover essentially all of thread(s) 110 when cap 104
is placed over open end 102A. In another example (which example is
intended to be illustrative and not restrictive), cap 104 may
include tab 104C (e.g. a thumb tab) for aiding in opening and
closing the cap in an easy and efficient "flip-top" manner.
[0052] Suitable material for the container includes plastic (e.g.
thermoplastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene). At least
some or all of the embodiments of the present invention can be
molded according to, for example, techniques disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. Re 37,676 (a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,085), U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,303,064, 4,812,116, and 4,783,056, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference. In yet another embodiment, the
container can be injection blow molded.
[0053] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the body may include calibration
markings (e.g., to indicate the amount of breast milk contained
therein, to indicate the amount of breast milk being fed). In this
regard, see, for example, FIG. 12 showing calibration markings 200
and FIG. 13 showing calibration markings 202. Of note, the body may
be calibrated in any convenient manner for accurate
collection/feeding (e.g., calibrated in CC/mls/oz). In one specific
example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not
restrictive), tick marks may be provided every CC up to 10 and then
by every 5 CC's.
[0054] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the body may contain any
convenient amount of milk (e.g., 70 ml, 2.3 oz, 2 oz, 4 oz, 8
oz).
[0055] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the exterior of the container
may be of any convenient size (e.g., for storage in a refrigerator
or freezer).
[0056] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), at least one of the body and the
cap may include an area thereon configured to receive writing. In
this regard, see, for example, writing area 204 and 206 of FIG. 12
and writing area 208 and 206 of FIG. 13. Of note, the body and/or
cap may contain one or more areas to write appropriate information
such as, for example, mother's name, baby's name, collection
date/time, any illnesses, any use of medications and/or hospital
identification.
[0057] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), at least one of the body, the
hinge and the cap may comprise polypropylene (which is believed to
essentially not bind and hold fat during storage and which is
believed to be FDA approved for food contact and storage). In
another example (which example is intended to be illustrative and
not restrictive), polycarbonate may be used in the construction of
the container.
[0058] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the body, the hinge and the cap
may be formed as an integral unit (e.g., so that the cap does not
fall on the floor or get lost). In this regard, see, for example,
hinge 106 connecting body 102 to cap 104 in FIGS. 1-4.
[0059] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the body and/or the cap may be
transparent or translucent (e.g., for easy viewing of breast milk
volume). In still another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the body and/or the cap may be
colored. In still yet another example (which example is intended to
be illustrative and not restrictive), the body may be transparent
or translucent while the cap is colored.
[0060] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the watertight and/or airtight
seals provided by the present invention may help maximize
shelf-life in storage.
[0061] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the thread(s) may fit standard
breast pumps and/or feeding nipples. In this regard, see, for
example, thread 110 of FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0062] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the container may be
manufactured in an FDA inspected and approved facility.
[0063] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the container may be ready to
use (e.g., sterile or aseptic by manufacturing process).
[0064] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the container may be freezable
and/or microwavable and/or autoclavable).
[0065] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the cap may be designed to
reduce the risk of contamination (e.g., the cap may be detachable
and/or may have a long skirt to protect the inside). With regard to
a detachable cap, this may, of course, be accomplished, for
example, by eliminating hinge 106. With regard to the long skirt,
see, for example, skirt portion 104B of FIGS. 1 and 3.
[0066] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the cap may be designed to face
away from the mother's body during collection.
[0067] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the cavity in the body may have
a concave, conical and/or skirted bottom (e.g., to get out small
amounts of breast milk). In this regard, see, for example, the
curved bottom surface "S" of FIG. 4.
[0068] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the container may be designed to
permit withdrawal of breast milk from the bottom (e.g., so that a
clinician may withdraw the contents from the bottom of a 2 oz
bottle with a 3-inch syringe).
[0069] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the container may provide any
convenient amount of head space (e.g., for collecting milk).
[0070] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the container may connect to an
electric breast pump and/or a manual breast pump.
[0071] In yet another example (which example is intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive), the container may comprise any
material which will render the container hard-sided.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 5-31, various views of other examples
of containers according to the present invention are shown.
[0073] While a number of embodiments of the present invention have
been described, it is understood that these embodiments are
illustrative only, and not restrictive, and that many modifications
may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For
example, the container may be made by any desired manufacturing
method (e.g., being formed in a one-piece or multi-piece mold;
being formed with two shot injection molding). Further, the various
steps may be carried out in any desired order (and any desired
steps may be added and/or deleted).
* * * * *